Spirits of the Earth

The day had rolled itself up quite nicely for Keir. It was ordinary and had been uneventful, but pleasant nonetheless. The surf near Cerenis had been eerily calm, but he could smell the storm that would be coming in just as much as he could see the dark masses of clouds moving up along the horizon. Weather was something he welcomed. Anything was fine by him and storms actually just made it easier for him to go around in his true form for once with less involvement of curious, prying eyes.

From the streets he could hear the lapping waves at the bottom of the hill, where land met sea in a natural bay. Darkness was quickly advancing, though, and the sea could wait for now. As much as he hoped to be back out there tonight when so very few people would probably be wandering about, he fully intended to enjoy himself for the time being. Treating himself to a drink was exactly the kind of enjoyment he had in mind.

A sailor's tavern was the lucky place he would grace with his company tonight. Upon entering, he could already see that the night's debauchery was already getting along quite nicely. Settling himself at the bar, though, he took stock of his surroundings for a moment, peering from side-to-side as his back was to the main entry. There was loud laughter coming from the far corner that wasn't really bothering him, but there was plenty of other noise that did: clinking metal, the creaking wood of floorboards, tables and chairs and one particular man's breathing on that same side of the room that was slightly wheezy from those sporadic fits of cackling.

There wasn't much in the way of distinctive features from his back. He wore simple, earth-toned clothing from tunic to boots. The tight waves of his black hair fanned out just a few inches past the tops of his shoulders. Upon his left wrist he bore his birthmark and on his right was a beaded bracelet of simple, dark wood. From the front, though, there were those bright blue eyes. He was young for one of his kind, to be sure, and it certainly showed, but he was no less lethal than any other.

As much as the popular drinks seemed to be beer or mead, Keir was all too soon downing his first glass of wine full almost to the brim. The voices all around him were steadily increasing in volume, much to his displeasure. He didn't know why. To his sensitive ears even the gentler ones seemed to get him so...anxious, even with his back turned to the rest of the hall. He supposed it was what helped him in his element, though. Voices. Keen attention to sound, to pick up on the slightest change in a potential victim's breathing; it was the creature inside that thrived on it. Nights like what he was counting on now, though, kept him sharp: How well could he hunt if he was out of practice? A little amusement along the way certainly couldn't hurt.

The siren was having the time of his life. While the impending storm was a good way to keep him trapped inside in order to keep his identity a secret, the rowdy atmosphere of the tavern he was residing in was more than enough to make up for it.

He moved about the room clapping patrons on the back, taking swigs of his beer, and generally make a nuisance of himself. Earlier in the evening he had won a fair amount of coin in a round of gambling and had been bouncing off the walls ever since.

The first strains of raised voices had his ears perking and head turning. Ever the one to join in on a fight, Ainsley was well on his way over by the time the ceramic mead jug had been broken over the other patron's head. In no time at all he joyfully immersed himself in the all out tavern brawl.

Through the throng of drunkards his vibrant green eyes picked up a lone figure loosing himself in a glass of wine. 'What's he doing there all by his lonesome? Poor thing is missing out on all the fun!' Disentangling himself from one of his adversaries, Ainsley bounced on over to the stranger and wrapped toned arms around him from behind. "Hey there buddy, you looked like you could use a hug," he whispered.

Reaching forward, the siren clasped his hand over top of the stranger's and took a sip of the wine. "Hmm," he grunted, "good stuff." A shout and the sound of more crashing reminded Ainsley of his previous engagement. "Ah that's my cue. Later!"

Sure enough, he was bouncing off again to join the fray. Grabbing up a chair he gleefully brought it down on another man's head before jumping up onto a table. From there he began hopping and dancing about as other patron's jumped up to attack him before being knocked down again. 'You know,' the siren thought, 'I think I feel a song coming on.'

He'd been counting on things remaining relatively calm, well, as calm as it could be with all the alcohol milling about. The atmosphere of the tavern was changing so rapidly, though, much to both his displeasure and amusement. The jumbled claims being thrown across the room honestly were quite ridiculous, but it just made it that much sweeter to listen to. Besides the sudden increase in volume everything was just peachy as far as Keir was concerned. That little bubble of contentness was quickly burst as he felt arms coiling around him, practically holding him in place on his seat.

"Eh?" Glancing to the side, he couldn't see the stranger at his back but the words whispered at his ear were strangely tantalizing, invasive as it was. A hug? That was a first for him as far as others's reasoning for invading his personal space, not that he cared at all to maintain any sort of barrier for it. What he did care about was that the stranger was taking some of his drink. A lighthearted smile was there as he forced his glass back down, though the shouting and smashing across the room had him wincing for the burst of noise at his ear. In the time it took him to recover from this distraction, though, the other man had already slipped away and had disappeared back into the crowd at his back.

He was certain he hadn't heard that voice before, which wasn't all that uncommon in the port town, but there was something different about it, something he just couldn't place a finger on just yet. By the time he'd slung himself around in his seat with his drink kept resting against his thigh Ainsley was already far ahead of his line of sight. Scanning the room, Keir's eyes skipped from person to person before his eyes settled for a moment on the jumpy man hopping between tables and making himself out to look either extremely drunk, extremely silly or, probably most-likely, a combination of both with a heavy favor toward the former. Shaking his head with a wry smile he assured himself, "Wasn't that one," without further hesitation.

His spot at the bar was actually quite favorable, he thought, at least to stay out of the mess of senseless fighting that now ensued amongst the drunken men. Leaning back as he continued to sip from his glass, Keir scanned over the people in the tavern once more before deciding that his mystery thief was probably gone and, in thinking such, he rocked himself back around to put his back to some of the more grating noises, from crushing furniture to smashing pottery and glass. Waving over the barman, he got himself another glass to wait out the turmoil, though he figured he'd probably need quite a bit more before things finally settled down enough that he could make it across the room without being pulled into something.

The fight settled down as quickly as it had begun. Feeling slightly disappointed that he had not had a chance to sing, Ainsley hopped down from his perch and mosied on over to the bar. Along the way he kept picking up drinks and setting them down as he tried to determine which one was his. He had just narrowed it down to a final two when he plopped himself onto a stool beside the huggable stranger from earlier.

Looking from mug to mug, unsure which was which the siren shrugged before taking a sip of each. Nodding his head, he took another long swig from the right one, gargled the contents, and then spit it all back into the mug. Beaming he handed it off to a passing drunkard who took a hearty chug of it before clinking it against Ainsley's other one and moving on.

Smirking, the siren laid his upper torso across the bar counter, resting his cheek against his closed fist and looked dizzily over at the man before him. "So what brings a cuddly mope such as yourself to this fine establishment?" he boomed in a deep baritone. "Bartender, another drink please. Oh no, not for me, for my friend over yonder." Ainsley winked and pushed the new drink away from him.

He'd just polished off his second glass when the noise had finally died down to a much more tolerable hum. Looking over one shoulder toward the entry, he pondered the idea of slipping out just as he heard the familiar grinding of the bar stool feet against the floorboards. Setting his second glass aside, he eyed the two mugs before the other man with interest as he seemed to be...weighing his options. If he'd actually thought this man was anything but a prattling drunk, he would have asked why he was taking so much care with choosing between vessels that obviously contained a fair amount of drink apiece.

Raising an amused brow at how the other seemed to weigh his options and then soil the one he would reject, Keir couldn't help but chuckle for how utterly pleased the stranger looked for passing on his "prize" to someone else. It wasn't enough that he'd had to endure all of the loud ruckus earlier, though, and of course this man that had whispered so gently at his ear earlier was, in fact, a loudmouth. "A 'cuddly mope'?" he asked, still amused though he was still staring at how the other leaned himself along the bar. So, the one who danced on tables was his wine thief. He didn't bat an eye at the stranger ordering another drink, what with the way he'd just seen him acting, but he hadn't expected it to be passed on to him.

Quirking a brow for the winking, Keir reached out cautiously at first before taking it upon himself to indulge. Taking the mug of ale, he chugged now, though the taste clashed with the wine he'd been drinking earlier. He didn't much care; free alcohol was free alcohol and he wasn't about to be picky. Looking back over to Ainsley over the rim, he hummed his thanks as he studied him briefly, just enough to take in his general appearance and note the nice eye color he bore. "The weather's coming in," he said simply with a shrug. "Just prefer to ride it out here." He tapped the side of the mug for emphasis before taking another swig.

"So, was that you, then...? The prancing thief?" he asked with an entertained smirk. "What brought you here, hm?"

"Ride it out? Like the crashing waves of the beautiful sea?" A dreamy expression crossed Ainsley's features as he thought of the world he had been born into and was currently forsaking. "Wai-what? A prancing thief? I do not prance, thank you very much. As for the thief part, it was more sharing in the wealth. Besides one sip from your glass is paid over ten times by the whole mug I just had given to you. Then again," he leaned close, placing his face right next to the stranger's as he lowered his voice, "if you don't want I could always finish it for you."

Chuckling, the siren allowed himself to relax back against the counter again. Surveying the room he continued in a boasting matter. "Me? Well I come and go as I please. But, like you said, better to weather the storm and how could I pass up the marvelous opportunity of coming here. Just think, if I hadn't I wouldn't have met your sad little face that needed loving." He rushed out the last part and winked again. "So Mister Snuggles, do you have a name?"

"Quite the opposite, really," he explained with a chuckle. "The storm that's coming...I'd rather not get trapped out there when it hits, you know? It's dangerous." He was surprised that this stranger was taking being called a thief so well even in jest, especially in a place like Cerenis, but he supposed that was a good thing that he wasn't being taken too seriously right now. "It does indeed pay for it plenty," he assured with a chuckle. "I hope the wine was good and worth it because I think I'll be finishing this off myself.

"But you were asking about me, huh? I kind of like 'Mister Snuggles', though I've not an idea where you're getting it from. Do I seem the cuddly sort?" Keir asked, setting the mug down finally as it only had about one third of its contents left. "You can call me Keir. And a name for a name, huh? ...But, hey, what's with all the comments?" He raised a brow and leaned forward on his forearms a bit.

"Do I seem all that sad?" he wondered, amused. "Or in need of 'loving'?"

"Do you seem it? Do you seem it! My friend you are the epitome of the cuddly sort," Ainsley replied. He smirked and looked at the other man lazily. "Keir huh? I think I prefer Mister Snuggles. Has a nice ring to it don't you think?"

Just as quickly as a tempest on the sea his moods changed and he clasped his hand melodramatically to his chest as if in severe pain and gasped. "Me? You mean you don't know? Oh, how it pains me! It is a tragedy I tell you. A tragedy! I am Mister Tall, Dark and Handsome." Again the siren moved close to Keir, placing his face right in front of the other's. "But you," he whispered huskily, "can just call me Handsome."

A finger came up to bop the stranger on the nose as Ainsley maintained this close distance. Still whispering he continued, "Sad, my friend? You seem positively heartbroken. You remind me of the sea. They say the sea is like a woman and shares her emotions. But, I say it is like a man, a man who mourns his love. For as long as he is at sea he misses his wife, and as long as he is with her he misses the sea. You my friend, remind me of the sea."

The siren looked down sadly and nodded his head as if also mourning something. But, the mood was not to last. His head popped up again and he was smiling and patting Keir's cheek. "Have no qualms Mister Snuggles, I will have you smiling and forgetting that sea in no time! Bartender," he called, raising a finger, "another drink!" He looked the stranger up and down appreciatively. "Make that two!"

"That's fine by me." Keir could only laugh for the other man's proclamations and theatrics; it seemed he'd taken quite a shine to him. This was an evening at a tavern not a formal party and either way he didn't much care if someone could recognize him or called him properly by name, especially with all the alcohol in the room. He thought it quite funny, though, that this man seemed to want just the opposite. Well, not entirely, but apparently he was accustomed to being easily recognizable.

For all of the other's closeness and poking and such he just looked so smug and was fairly beaming. In all honesty, he was used to being the one to be doing that sort of thing, and he wondered if his drinks were spurring him on or if this man seriously did not have any issues with personal space. Keir was beginning to think it was more the former as the stranger carried on with his comparisons, though he was fairly confused by it all as none of it really made much sense to him. Still, he thought it quite an ironic thought, forgetting the sea: his home.

Downing the rest of his other drink at the promise of another, Keir leaned against the bar with the elbow of his free arm and eyed Ainsley curiously. There were only a few reasons one might be so giving when it came to buying him drinks. "So, Handsome," he appeased. "What's got you so merry and generous, hm? Or is there just something that's got you bent on drowning yourself tonight?"

Ainsley smiled smugly at being called Handsome, practically preening under the attention he felt he was getting. But, this look was quickly replaced with one of pity as Keir began to ask questions. The siren sighed and looked up towards the ceiling. "He's breaking my heart. The sorry sap has no idea. What a shame," he sighed, looking down again and shaking his head.

He yawned loudly, stretching his arms overhead before bringing one down to rest around the other man's shoulders. The siren sidled himself up closer to Keir, leaving them completely pressed together from shoulder to ankle. "Ah now that's better. You see Mister Snuggles I'm the kind of guy that doesn't make waves, I ride them. So whatever floats my boat, goes. Do you catch my drift? Hmm, maybe you don't. You do seem a bit wet behind the ears. Don't you worry love, I'll take good care of you!"

Ainsley squeezed Keir close to him and took a hearty swig of his drink. "Ah!" he sighed smacking his lips together. "Good stuff." He paused to give a rather large belch before continuing. "So what about you? Why do you look like a fish out of water?"

There was a long pause from him as he took up his next drink. Keir was taking big gulps now instead of the much more careful sips of earlier. He still had his head tipped back as Ainsley stretched, but he spluttered a bit as he felt the other's arm come around him. Lowering his drink, he glanced down repeatedly at how they were touching. There was no way that this had been a mistake, but he hadn't been entirely sure that the other man was aware of what he was doing, but then he answered that curiosity for him.

"Wet behind the ears?" he scoffed, snorting as he finally set his drink down. All he could do was shake his head good-humoredly as Ainsley carried on and continued to make it glaringly obvious that he had no issues with space or contact with him. If only he knew how close to the truth he really was. "A fish out of water, huh? Nah, I just get antsy when I can't get out and keep moving, you know?"

He took another gulp as he continued, "And if I'm stuck here I might as well make the most of it!" Then, in an attempt at getting more alcohol out of this, Keir leaned his head against the other's shoulder and decided to remain there, as if he were an old, trusted friend. "And I think it'd be fair to say I quite like it. Good drink, at least. The company isn't bad either," he added with a chuckle and sly grin he hoped wouldn't be seen as he sat there still nursing his drink.

Ainsley looked down at the head resting on his shoulder and mentally shrugged before resting his own atop it. He stared at the amber liquid bubbling in his mug then nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah it is a good brew isn't it. The company knows their brews. Oh, you meant me! Well you're not so bad yourself, Mister Snuggles."

The siren pulled Keir closer to his side and placed a quick sloppy kiss to his forehead. The moment was ruined by another a loud and long belch that had even Ainsley crinkling his nose. "Yick, chunky. Good sound though, very poor character. I'd rate it a seven. And a half, for tone you know? Urg, you know starfish, I'm going to have to make good on my promise later. My stomach's feeling a bit queasy. You'll still be here tomorrow?"

Green eyes widened as the need for water and not alcohol became more prominent. One poor side affect of drinking, was how quickly it dehydrated the siren. He dizzily blinked slowly a few times before remembering his drink. Knocking it back, he made to untangle himself from the other man. "Got to get back to the room," he groaned.

With the way he was being held he couldn't turn his head much, but Keir still rolled his eyes to look up when he felt Ainsley's own head on him. He was stuck now and before he knew it the top of his head was being kissed. Even as he set his free hand along the edge of the bar to try and push off from him, though, that loud noise was filling his ears again.

Cringing and flinching at his words, Keir was all too happy to disentangle himself from him, but there was something in the way he talked that got his attention. "I'll be around for a little while," he answered, not wanting to make any promises even though he knew full well he would probably slip away from the tavern as soon as the worst of the storm went through sometime in the night.

Taking in the rest of his drink, he set the empty vessel down before hopping down from his seat and eyeing the stairs, then the door. "You staying here? ...I'll help you walk up if you need it," he offered, hesitant to say any more as this could just as easily be where they parted ways.

Ainsley blinked owlishly before smiling goofily. "Yeah here. All the way at the end of the hall. Would you mind? Seems I still got me sea legs." A fit of uncontrollable giggles arrested him as the irony of the statement hit him.

"It's jus' this a'way," he hiccuped, leaning heavily on Keir and pointing towards the stairs. Ainsley was doing everything in his power to play up the drunk card. While feeling truly a bit dizzy and out of sorts he was nowhere near being as drunk as he was presenting himself. He just thought it might be a bit fun for him and a bit of what the stranger needed to cheer him up. "Jus' needs to care for someone," he muttered under his breath.

The siren sighed at the sight of his door and leaned more heavily against Keir. "Almosh tere Mister Shnuggles," he giggled. "Ah here we go, jush help me to the bed and you're home free!" However, the minute Ainsley was near enough the bed, he pretended to completely pass out, latching onto his new friend securely. The siren was not about to let go of his prize any time soon.

Keir could only give an understanding smile and looked over to the stairs again as Ainsley pointed. "Not a problem," he assured, putting an arm up around his shoulders to try and steady him as they went along. Over the voices echoing through the tavern he couldn't hear his, to him, garbled mumbling.

When they finally reached the door he adjusted his hold on Ainsley so that he could take them inside. He was just as careful closing it up behind them, not wanting to disturb this man who he thought just couldn't handle his liquor. Helping him to the bed was going to prove to be a whole different matter entirely, though.

He hadn't expected this to happen. He had been gearing up to just get him settled and then split, but this man who had the giggles seemed to have other plans. He was also heavier than Keir had banked on and his dead weight quite easily pulled him down. "Nnf!" he grunted as he came down hard on his side. Attempting to pull away immediately, though, was only met with firm resistance.

"Hey, Handsome, lemme go!" he complained sarcastically, lifting his head to look at the door, not giving a thought yet to the idea that this was all that intentional.

Ainsley grunted, pulling Keir closer. There was really no way he was going anywhere any time soon. Comforted by the warmth of the stranger, the siren snuggled in closer and slipped into a deep sleep.

Morning came bright and early but with the storm crashing fiercely outside now, there was not a ray of sunshine to be seen. Despite his normally loud and rambunctious nature, Ainsley was quiet and still as he came into consciousness once more. A soft smile curled his lips as he saw the other man still with him.

"Aww Mister Snuggles," he chirped, hugging Keir. "It's so good to have you here." The siren's eyes were bright and clear. There was no trace of a hangover or any remaining alcohol in his system to be observed. Ainsley was back and ready to be his obnoxious self once more.

The way Ainsley had latched on to him made it difficult to even attempt to move. Honestly, he could barely wriggle and when he managed a bit of progress he was still well and truly stuck in the other's grasp. Eyeing him suspiciously as he snuggled in close, Keir pondered ways to "wake" him up so he could run, but...how else was he going to get a free bed for the night? It wasn't like he really cared all that much if his drunk acquaintance was very comfortable with him right now. He was a kelpie. He thrived on touch, emotion, affection and kindness. He usually couldn't bear not having some reassurance from whoever he was with, and Ainsley was shouting it loud and clear, so he slept.

He stayed through the night even though his original intention had been to sneak out at some point. Whenever he awoke for a moment all he could hear was the pounding rain upon the roof, and when it was finally morning the storm was still going strong. So long as he didn't want to give himself away so obviously he was going to have to keep staying there or somewhere close. Upon waking fully, though, he realized he was being hugged still, being spoken to, and that they hadn't moved much, if at all.

Opening his eyes, he blinked until they focused on Ainsley. "Mister Snuggles...? Oh. That still. Goo' mornin', Han'shum," he yawned, looking over his shoulder at the shuttered window that water was still plinking off of. "You feeling any better?" What he really wanted to know, though, was how long he was going to cling to a, mostly, stranger.

The siren hummed softly, releasing Keir so he could stretch. His back arched off the bed as his spine made several back-relieving pops. The thin material of his tunic also took the chance to ride way up his torso, revealing smooth, pale flesh and slightly toned muscles.

Ainsley lazily rubbed one hand across his stomach as the other came to rest on Keir's hand. "Poyfect!" he replied through a yawn. He smirked and closed his eyes. "See something you like Mister Snuggles?" He sighed, wiggling his hips as he repositioned himself comfortably on the bed.

For a moment he hadn't moved, too surprised to be free finally, but as soon as it registered in his waking brain Keir was immediately sitting bolt upright. At least, until flashes of skin in his peripheral caught his attention. He couldn't help himself on that one and his head was tilted at an angle to watch that shirt creeping up higher and higher. And then there was a hand on that stomach, blocking some of his view, and then his hand was sandwiched between the bed and Ainsley's hand so that he'd now have to make things very awkward or uncomfortable or both to move away.

Honestly, he didn't much have a problem with it now, not since he was just made clearly aware of some of what was underneath that shirt. By the time he ventured a glance up to the other man's face, though, his eyes were closed. Something he liked? Definitely. Was he going to admit it right away? "Something," was all he said, the word coming slowly as he cleared his throat and cracked a smile to see how the other wiggled his way up. Whether this was entirely for his benefit or not he wasn't sure, but he was willing to bet anything that this man welcomed attention wholeheartedly from what he'd seen thus far.

"But...good. Glad you're feeling better. I'm actually really...thirsty. Gonna go down and get something. My head feels all funny," he lied, though he was actually quite thirsty, having been out of the water for about a day now already. Shimmying his way closer to the edge, he looked down at their hands before giving Ainsley a knowing little smile. "I'll be back before you know it."

Ainsley's brows scrunched together as he processed Keir's words. "Thirsty? But, there's water just outside. Why go all the way downstairs and back up again when it's just right there?" Ever the minimalist, such a concept of extra effort boggled the siren's mind.

"Look there's a pitcher and basin," he said pointing to it. As he continued to explain he acted out each part with hand motions. "You take the pitcher. Walk over to the window. Open the window. Stick the pitcher outside. " HIs fingers wiggled into an imaginary pitcher as he continued, "collect the water. Bring the pitcher back inside and drink the water."

Exhausted from the effort of explaining, Ainsley let his arms drop heavily back to the mattress. A long-suffering groan garbled its way in his throat. "Of course you shut the window once you're done. Rainwater while water is not good for indoors. No, no very bad idea. But, a lot simpler than all that silly walking. Ugg!" The siren shuddered and winced as if the idea of such a thing galled him.

The instruction Ainsley gave left him feeling a bit dull for not realizing the simplicity almost literally at his fingertips. "Ah," he replied slowly, watching his hands until he got enough sense to stand. Going over to take up the pitcher, he looked over his shoulder for Ainsley's dramatic display and even more obvious reminder, wincing at the thought that he seemed dull enough to need those added comments.

"I hadn't thought of it, thanks," he offered as he opened up the shutters to the outside. The storm immediately sprinkled his arms with cold droplets, but he certainly didn't mind that at all. Thrusting his arm outside, though, he was rather careless in the way he held the thing, keeping his head turned away from the window after one too many gusts had dashed his face with water. After the pitcher was filled was when the real problems started, though.

Bringing his arm back inside, he stepped closer to the wall to shut up the window again only to have himself slip on the water upon the boards. Trying to right himself as he reached for the windowsill, though, he managed to tip the pitcher just far enough in his wobbling to dump most of its contents over his front and pouring onto the floor.

His mouth drew up in a tight line from being splashed with such cold and, for a moment, he stood dumbfounded before he finished closing up the window and walked back over to the little end table with the basin like nothing had happened at all though it was clear enough by his clothes. It had been nice to be warm for once, even if that warmth had been from a stranger. Now it was all gone as he became more and more aware of the liquid dripping from his clothes and seeping uncomfortable in to plaster them to his body. The puddle on the floor he was content to just leave for now.

Dumping the measly amount of water left into the basin, Keir scooped his hands into it as if what had just happened hadn't happened at all. He drank, careful to keep his back turned to his new acquaintance.

The moment the shutters were open and the rain came pelting in, Ainsley was pushing himself as tight up against the headboard as he possibly could. Getting water on himself would really ruin his fun right about now. Keir's comical retrieval of the rainwater had the siren wiping away tears and shaking in silent laughter.

Once there was no more worries about getting rained on, Ainsley ripped the undersheet off the bed and tossed it at the other man's head. "There you go Mister Snuggles. Just dry yourself off with that and then you can come warm up again over here." Feeling proud of himself, the siren gave a big, beaming smile with closed eyes as he invitingly patted the spot next to him on the bed.

As he scooped up more water and drank he felt the light plop of the sheet hitting the back of his head before it draped itself haphazardly along his shoulders. Turning to look at Ainsley there looking so pleased with himself, Keir couldn't help but notice that he wasn't much better -or any better really- from the previous night when he'd been drinking. Except, perhaps, there was less clinging involved.

Taking the sheet in his hands, he hummed his acknowledgement as he went about drying his arms, neck, and hair. The rest of him...well, there wasn't much he was going to be able to do with soaked clothes still sticking to him. Peeling his shirt off, he bounced the thing by the collar for a moment, just watching water flick off of it this way and that before draping it over the table. Drying as well as he could with the sheet, he returned to the bed to sit himself beside Ainsley as indicated while he finished up. "You know, you're really forward," he chuckled, shaking his head and bowing for a moment to wick the rest of what was on his neck off. "Most people aren't with me, at least not as much as you are."

Vibrant green eyes just watched Keir dry off and take his shirt off with a content smile. The thrill of pleasure he got from the other man joining him on the bed only served to make him feel more happy. He however became distracted as Keir shook his head, spraying droplets of water all over his face and arms.

Black dots of skin began to form instantly from the wet contact. "Forward?" he repeated dumbly, eyes widening as he stared down at his skin. Ainsley tried to brush the drops off only to have his mouth hit the floor when the smeared and created gray-black streaks across his skin.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," he continued, his brain in overdrive to hide his current problem. Flipping over and diving onto the bed, the siren pinned his arms under his chest and buried his face. Once he was sure his face was dry he spoke again. "Is this better? Now I'm backwards. Or is that not enough for you, Mister Snuggles?"

Watching bits of his hair falling forward, he played with it for a few moments. Pulling out the dry strands and moving them aside one after another, he watched them swing back around the hang in front of his face. That was, at least until he felt the jostling as Ainsley made his dive. Lifting his head slowly he eyed his companion curiously before he offered a vague explanation. Keir spent that time he was afforded, though, with staring at his ass and the sloping curve that led down to it.

"Backwards," he chuckled, shaking his head as he set the sheet aside. "No need to be sorry. I think I like you forward and backward," he teased. For a brief moment he was reaching out to him, but he dropped his hand down beside Ainsley instead to scoot himself a little closer. Sitting with just a small space between them now, he leaned back against his arm a bit. "Can I have both?"

Wiggling a bit to ensure that he was completely dry, Ainsley rolled to his side so that his arm propped up his head and he was facing Keir. "Both?" he questioned sending a smouldering look the other man's way. "I don't know. Can you handle both?"

The siren shook his head sadly as if lamenting a great sadness. "It would be such a shame if I drowned you in my forwardness and backwardness. What would I do then? No," he stated, raising his hand in a staying gesture. "I shall make the ultimate sacrifice for the world. It cannot survive without the great Mister Snuggles. I will have to make do. Worry not my friend," he raised his hand a little higher before pressing it against his heart, "it is a price I am willing to pay. Have no fear."

Ainsley sniffled slightly before wiping away an imaginary tear. "A tragedy," he whispered wearily. Giving one more sigh, he let his head fall forward off his head and into the bed.

Drowned him? No, he was quite sure that was impossible both literally and figuratively. His new companion did not know that, though, and he had no intention of informing him of the real reasons why now, if ever. The explanation he gave was amusing and the dramatic theatrics behind it had enough of his attention now so that he lifted his legs up onto the bed and sit cross-legged beside him instead.

"I, for one, think I could handle it well, and I'd be a fool not to be confident." Looking over at the closed up window where muffled noises through which the wind and rain outside still pierced he gave a little smile for what had just happened with the pitcher. Being amongst the storm now, though, he could do nothing about what natural course it would take. "So, Handsome, when do you think the rain'll let up? I can't wait to go puddle jumping," he crooned, continuing on to goad, "Or is that not a sport such dashing men partake in?"

"Puddle jumping?" he repeated sounding amused. Internally he was cringing at the idea of getting splashed and revealing himself prematurely. "You see Mister Snuggles, we're men and as men we can do whatever we damn well please. So if we want to go puddle jumping we can and will. Although to be honest with you, I think I would much rather watch you than join in and ruin the fun."

The siren sat up looking very sad and depressed. "You see Mister Snuggles, it's quite tragic really. A childhood condition, for as long as I can remember, I've had a problem with water. You couldn't even call me handsome anymore. It's," Ainsley shook his head and shuddered, "terrible."

At first he was pretty confused about why his companion would rather sit out of something so, well, fun for him. As he carried on explaining, though, Keir looked a bit guilty for how sad he seemed now. "Tragic condition...problem? Oh, well, we don't have to." The shuddering was observed with particular curiosity, and if he hadn't been so surprised by this new information he would have laughed.

What in the world was he doing in a port city if he had issues with water? It was baffling to Keir that someone could even be fearful of water or even manage to find something wrong with it. It was everywhere and he thrived on it both literally and figuratively, so this was something that wasn't going to be well-understood by the kelpie. "Well, we could do something else, I'm sure we can come up with plenty else to do, huh?" he said, feeling a bit sheepish now for the one mistake he'd already made unknowingly.

Twisting his ankles around to bide his time, Keir put his hands behind himself and lounged back like that as he took a moment to think. "You've seemed so sad, you know," he finally began again, quirking a brow for this before continuing on with that little grin of his, "Yet happy, too, but a lot of sadness. Shall we do something to cheer you up? Lift your spirits a bit?"

Ainsley clapped a gentle hand down on Keir's thigh just above his knee. "You are very kind, sir. However, I assure you there is nothing to worry yourself over. Although," he trailed off slowly as he lowered himself back, copying his companion's pose. His face hovered a breath away from the other man's.

"If I could claim your attention for just an hour more at the most we could venture our way down a ways where drink and mischief both would lift my weary heart. Would you be obliged, Mister Snuggles?" The look on the siren's face was that of a pleading puppy. Green eyes widened, breath was held, and a lip was worried in anticipation of the recumbent man's answer.

He didn't think he looked inebriated still, but it was so rare for someone to look so...unaffected and carefree with their proximity. Keir surely wasn't looking for excuses for him and if his companion didn't mind it it made things smoother for both parties, really, but it was still so interesting to have someone else initiating for once. Even better, he figured he would be able to get more free drinks out of this if he kept his attention enough. He found it a bit curious that no favors had been asked of him for even the treat of the previous night, but he wasn't complaining.

"Okay, Handsome, let's go. So many nice things we never sampled, it would be a pity to leave without a taste," he agreed. Leaning forward to stretch a bit, the kelpie tipped himself over for a lazy hop-stumble off the bed and towards the door. He didn't bother replacing the recently soaked shirt over his head, but he did snatch it up to sling over one shoulder. Later, he figured, it would make for a cleaner, quicker exit when necessary.

Opening the door and bumping it with his hip to keep it from swinging back on him, Keir stepped back out to the hall to make his way back downstairs.

Ainsley cheered exuberantly at Keir's agreement and bounced off the bed to eagerly follow. So intent on the smooth curve of the other man's spine, he had not been noticed the wet shirt being relocated and therefore was not expecting the wet slap in the face he received a few moments later.

His eyes widened once more in horror as he acknowledged to himself that his face was completely black now. With an extra hop-skip in his step, the siren knocked into Keir's back and pressed his face snugly against the warm flesh. Careful to avoid the hanging piece of dripping fabric, he contented himself in nuzzling into the one-sided embrace.

"Oh Mister Snuggles! I was beginning to miss you already!" The door swung back to bite Ainsley in the rear and he grunted as he jumped forward, knocking more into Keir. "Lead the way oh fearless leader! I am your humble servant."

The cold air on his back was exchanged so quickly for warm skin and before it really registered what was going on he found himself encircled again. A grin slowly worked its way out now at how Ainsley clung to him and how quickly he'd worked his way back to hugging him.

Luckily, he found the way they were pressed together more amusing than anything. He did have to catch himself, though, being knocked forward so suddenly. Steadying himself with a hand against the wall, Keir tilted his head to glance down with a surprised, amused puzzlement. "Do you want to just climb up? You're already halfway there," he said with a chuckle.

"I think we stopped too early last night, good thing we're getting a head start, hm?" Not thinking much else of it, though, and taking his cue to lead them away, Keir started making his way down the stairs with a hand hovering at the other man's arm with the sincere hope he wasn't going to get slammed into again.

The siren's eyes widened at his good fortune. "Ah, an invitation!" Flicking the wet shirt off Keir's shoulder with a scowl, he happily leaped onto the other man's back, careful to not throw his balance off too much. Ainsley secured his arms gently around his new friend's shoulders and smiled lazily.

"Why thank you for the offer. I could not be more grateful. Stairs are such troublesome things," he sighed in disgust. "You know I believe I shall sing a song in your honor now. Don't try and stop me now, I feel a good one coming on." Clearing his throat, the silly siren moved his head so that his lips hovered just beside Keir's ear. Then in a soft voice he began.

[center:2djpm9ts]"Mister Snuggles is a friend.
He is soft and warm and huggable.
Which is why I find him so snuggable
Well that and his cute rear end.

Mister Snuggles, Mister Snuggles,
Mister Snuggles Mister Snuggles!
Is a huggable kind of guy."[/center:2djpm9ts]

Ainsley ended his song earlier than intended the moment Keir's feet hit the last step and the bar came into view. "Drink! Come my good friend, there is heaven to be imbibed!" Grabbing the other man's hand he directed him along from his current perch to a pair of stools and waved the bartender over.

For the briefest of moments his face was twisted with confusion at whatever "invitation" the other man was implying was out there for him, but the added weight on his back was a clear enough answer for that. Surprised by the sudden shift, he stumbled his way forward a couple of steps before he managed to catch his balance again with one hand against the wall and the other gripping Ainsley's knee to not throw their combined weight around too much.

"Would it kill you to give a bit more of a warning? Wait, a...song?" he grumbled, eyeing the landing they could have fallen to had the carelessness been a total success. He had been expecting something loud and far too peppy for the hour and lack of...well, a proper situation, but the surprisingly soft voice at his ear as he brought them down the rest of the stairs startled him enough to cause another lurch down a couple more steps.

The words were silly, to be sure, but there was something about it that just struck with Keir. He couldn't pinpoint it, but he found nothing particularly unpleasant about the whole thing; it was like everything had been altered to mold around it in the moment. His entire focus was on the gentle song in tickling breaths that sent an odd chill across his skin, and the rest of the trip was hardly noticed until they'd finally reached the bottom and it stopped.

Tilting his head a bit to look back at his new acquaintance, he found himself wondering sadly why the music had stopped and if, somehow, this unfocused and easily distracted man had really been the source of...whatever had just happened. "Drink...? Oh, yeah, drink," he mumbled as he finally continued on to carry Ainsley out to the bar. Hopping up onto a stool, he glanced back again as he motioned with his head for him to get down and get on his own seat lest the thing have to go crashing down beneath the combined weight of them both.

"Well, what is it we're starting with today, Handsome? More mead? A nice beer? Perhaps a richer wine?" he hinted, hoping he could clear out with more free stuff today if he was still so well-liked. Getting what he wanted would just be icing on the cake.

Ainsley was never one to pick up on social cues and therefore missed Keir's pointed look. He was far more distracted by being called Handsome again. Snuggling closer, he nuzzled his face into the warm skin of the other man's shoulder and hummed with pleasure.

"Hmm? Oh drink, right. Wine is out, far too sophisticated for a little fisher town, the good stuff is always farther inland." His eyes became dreamy for a moment as he recalled his goal to never return to the sea unless he wanted to. Giving himself a mental shake he continued on. "Mead is too common for a gentlemen such as yourself, and as much as I enjoy a good beer I believe ale shall be our poison of choice this fine morning."

The siren waved his hand grandly to signal the amused bartender over. Unfortunately, because Ainsley had not acknowledged Keir's hints he had not gotten up. As he was being too loud he never heard the mighty creak of the chair and so had no idea that was about to break beneath their combined weight. No the rowdy siren was far more focused on getting his addicting alcohol and becoming a new fur coat for Keir with the way he was pressed up against him.

The small disappointment he felt hearing he wouldn't be getting wine was enough to distract him temporarily from the gradual shifting beneath them. It was a small inconvenience that he still had him on his back, but he was willing to deal with it. He was sure he looked quite odd, shirtless and coming down the stairs carrying him straight to the bar so early, but he didn't care. As his companion rolled through their options, though, Keir was amused to watch the barman at the ready for whatever it was they decided on.

He wasn't going to complain about ale, but there was something odd about the way the barman looked as they briefly made eye contact. It was like everything was falling into place right then. Keir heard the beginnings of creaking, the stress on the wood bearing down too hard for it to remain up any longer. Leaning against the bar, he had not a hand free to stabilize himself, let alone the pair of them. They were definitely going down.

Cringing at the sudden, sharp snaps from beneath them, Keir tried to brace himself as he first felt them falling down and then back to the floor behind where they'd been sitting. What jarring impact he'd expected didn't come, however, as he gasped sharply and felt himself slamming down against something much softer than the flat floor. His breath was still knocked out of him for a moment, though, and the kelpie was stunned as he lied there stupidly trying to get his bearings while he remained with his full weight upon Ainsley.

The sudden drop was nothing in comparison to the heavy force that squashed Ainsley to the ground. All the wind was knocked out of him as he laid there dumbly and tried to examine the situation he was currently in. A silly grin crept across his face though as he quickly came to realize that it was Keir currently pinning him in place.

If he could have breathed he would have laughed at his good fortune. While he was slowly suffocating under Keir's crushing weight on his compressed diaphragm, Ainsley would be the first to admit he would be dying a happy man. One arm was caught between the two of them and completely useless but the other was only half-stuck.

The siren wiggled his right hand in a gesture to get it free when in reality he was a bit more focused on what it was touching, Keir's right buttock. Surreptitiously, Ainsley rubbed the palm of his hand back and forth on the firm flesh while laying there grinning goofily. 'Now this is the life!'

He blinked quickly a few times at the wave of silence that swept the room. Then, it slowly dissolved into quiet snickering. Blinking more and still willing his body to remember how to breathe, Keir stared up at the barman peering over the bar to look down at them. There was something there caught between amusement and something sterner over the broken furniture.

Finally willing himself to drag a painful breath into his lungs, Keir groaned for the dizzy, lightheadedness that buzzed in his head. Not quite sure if he'd killed or knocked out his companion, the kelpie struggled to try and lean himself up when he felt the wriggling beneath him. He didn't think a thing of what the other man was actually doing thinking he'd squashed his arms and was only increasing his pain by sitting on him. As quickly as his suddenly sluggish limbs would take him, Keir rolled himself over off of Ainsley.

"H-....Hey," he wheezed lightly, turning his head to cough before sucking in another much-needed breath and continuing on. "Handsome... Um, you okay, there? I think that was the worst idea we've ever had," he teased.

Ainsley just laid there dazed but euphoric. The silly grin never left his face as he just stared ahead astonished. Breath returned to him but he honestly could have cared less considering the proximity of Keir just a few moments before.

"I touched it," he murmured to himself. "Pure bliss." Slowly, as if coming to awareness through sea foam, he turned his head towards the other man and smiled stupidly. "Worst? On the contrary, in the very short amount of time we have spent together of which we have had very few shared ideas I think it was our best. But, of course we will need to have better shared ideas in order to top that one."

Chuckling hysterically to himself, the siren spread his arms out and continued to lay there. "So bartender, can I have that drink now? I'm feeling pretty relaxed here."

Keir just rolled his eyes playfully, his new friend making it quite obvious that he was doing fine, if sounding a little delirious. Pushing himself up with a groan and rubbing at his lower back, he chuckled weakly and made eye contact with the barkeep again. Glancing down at the broken stool, he cleared his throat and stepped around Ainsley to pull out another one and hold out his hand in offer to help him up. "Come on, Handsome, let's not let a little stumble get to us, hm?"

Seeing their freshly-poured drinks set at the bar, he still felt the man's eyes on him and then heard a brief mumbling about how he was going to "add that to his tab". All he could think was that he was hoping it would be his companion that got stuck with it, if at all, but he hoped the bartender would still let them have their fun all the same. Taking up one of the mugs, he eagerly took those first few gulps as he tried to avoid any awkwardness after what had just happened and belly up to the bar and take a seat.

The siren groaned at being made to get up and took his merry time dragging himself up. Once he had, Ainsley pouted at not being able to cling to Keir again so brought his own stool as close to the other man's as possible. Ploping down into the seat, he rested his chin on the bar and stared at his drink despondently.

"I don't want it anymore," he decided aloud, pushing it towards his new companion. "You can have it." With a long sigh the siren closed his eyes and buried his head in his arms. The euphoria of efore was killed by the arrival of pain from before. The fact that he was no longer attached to Keir did not help matters.

Glancing over at him from the edge of his mug, Keir raised an eyebrow at his companion over the sudden change in behavior. "You...don't want it?" he exclaimed in surprise before setting his own mug down and chuckling at the idea. "Do you really want me to drink that much? Or is something wrong with it?" he pushed.

Staring at the back of his head and then his hair, Keir hesitantly reached a hand out to brush the back of his down along it. "Or is something else wrong, Handsome?" he wondered, his tone dying to something softer, sadder.

"Something wrong with it? Something wrong with it! You would dare accuse me of harming The Great Mister Snuggles? My word, who would've thunk it!" Pouting even more, the siren dropped his head heavily to the bar-top with a loud crack of skull on wood. A long, pitiful whine sounded from deep within his throat as he thought of the injustice of it all.

Ainsley froze though as he felt the soothing hand brush gently at his head while the other man's voice lowered into one of concern. Cracking an eye open he peeked one bright green eye out to view his new companion.

"I hurt," he moaned childishly and sniffling. "Why don't you just enjoy the drink. I can't stomach such joyous frivolities right now. I'm done for!"

Hurt? But he had said he was fine! Unless he was just trying to save face. In front of all these people, I wouldn't blame him; it was quite loud.

"To your health, then," he answered with a smirk and gesture of his drink, gladly downing just about all that remained in the mug. Keir was sure he didn't see nor smell any sort of blood, but he wouldn't put it past the floor or stools to leave a bruising worthy of it on his behind.

Withdrawing his hand from his acquaintance's hair the kelpie curled it into a loose fist before turning to face forward once more. Setting his elbow atop the bar, and trying his best not to appear awkward for everything that had just happened, Keir looked across the room to the doors. He eyed them several times as he swept the room, taking in the rest of the day's early patrons. As much as he enjoyed drinks, especially free ones, he couldn't deny that his stomach was practically gnawing on itself amongst all its whispered growls.

"If the weather clears up tonight I think I'm going to go fishing," he declared quietly as he exchanged empty mug for full.

Ainsley pouted further at having his health toasted. "As if that will do anything," he muttered pitifully. "I'm already toast."

The removal of Keir's hand from his hair had his hands quickly removing themselves from under his chin. Palms slapped onto the bartop, fingers splayed out as if to grip the table for dear life. The siren's eyes widened and he allowed his forehead for a brief moment to resoundingly thud against the counter. Ainsley wanted to claw at the kelpie and return the absent appendage to where he deemed its proper place.

From the corner of his verdant eyes he glared over at Keir as if to will him to return to his proper task. His poor behavior was nearly abolished though when the veiled mention of the sea reached his ears.

"Fishing? I like fishing. May I go fishing with you? I'm a good fishermen. Real good. I'll catch whatever you need Mister Snuggles. Mark my words, I'm the best fisher you ever saw." Slowly sitting up with a tiny grunt, the siren shifted his weight to lean against the wood counter and face the kelpie better. Pride made him puff out his chest and straighten some as the prospect of redeeming himself and getting more alone time with Keir registered in his mind. "Can I? Can I, can I, can I?"

Fortunately for the both of them Keir never saw Ainsley's glaring display. Steadily nursing his drink already, it wasn't until the other man began insisting to fish with him that he really paused to evaluate the situation. "You fish?" he asked skeptically, screwing his face a bit in confusion. "But don't you have a problem with water?

"Besides, I only need a fish or two. For food. I'm not making a living off of it," he explained with a chuckle, thinking, perhaps, the other man thought he was fishing for more commercial purposes. "And anyway..., my methods aren't exactly conventional. I don't really fish, I just catch them. With my hands. Not really designed well for a group effort, but I wouldn't mind the company if you'd like to come along."

The siren's eyes widened, his lips forming a small circle as he looked down and to the side. "I have my ways. Sir-some people have to eat too you know. I wasn't proposing a business deal here, just a meal! No need to be getting so ahead of yourself Mister Snuggles, unless," Ainsley smirked, "you would prefer to create such an enterprise together."

He shifted nervously, hoping to draw Keir's attention away from his "water problem," in order to keep himself seeming strong and interesting to the other male. "This is of course," he continued, "if it stops raining." Ainsley sighed, looking out towards the doorway of the pub with an expression of longing.

"Indeed," he sighed. "The rain could spoil it, but it would also be very quiet out there. Still, would be no fun in slipping on the rocks or anything like that." The kelpie found it interesting to watch the other man's expressions and body language. Everything said he was missing something and it was right under the surface yet just beyond his grasp. Still, Keir was drawn to him and to the fact that he couldn't yet place what it was about him.

"An enterprise together I could see," he finally replied with a smirk. "But I lack the necessary skills. It's a nice thought, though." Leaning away from the bar a bit, Keir attempted to catch a few glances to his companion's back again. "Are you sure you're really alright, though? I didn't squash your back too badly?"

"Yes but it can be quiet without the rain too," Ainsley protested, nodding his head with Keir's comments on navigating about the area. The siren chewed his lip in thought, trying to think of a way to word things. He wanted to keep the other man close, having greatly enjoyed his company thus far and desiring to continue to do so.

"It is a nice thought," he finally sighed, conceeding that it was probably not a very big possibility of happening. "Although I am sure that the great Mister Snuggles has other areas of expertise that would be beneficial to such businesses." He beamed up at the other man, happily. "There is more to it than just catching fish or running the actual business. Yep, yep. It sure does."

Ainsley quickly schooled his features into those of a pained but hiding it expression in order to invoke some sympathy. " No worries my good friend. I have had far worse squashings in my thusfar short lifetime. I will survive to be squashed another day, have no fear!"

"What sort of things?" the kelpie wondered curiously, completely oblivious to what it did or did not take to undertake such a thing with someone. Keir immediately started to feel bad for prying, though. He hadn't been expecting that sort of answer.

Hanging his head a bit, he eyed him cautiously as he responded with genuine concern, "I hadn't meant it like that, I'm sorry that others have squashed you. Are you alright today, though? Nothing broken? Nothing sprained? Nothing torn?"

Ainsley sniffled and shook his head sadly. "Oh, no worries, friend. I am not upset by it. Really, nothing to worry immensely over. Well there is one thing broken, but I promise you it will mend," he finally stated, choosing to milk his situation for all it was worth. Any chance for more sympathy and more specifically, attention was going to be taken.

"Actually there is one way you could help me out, that is of course you are willing to do so. I would understand I suppose if," he sniffled again, "if...if you didn't want to. I could just suffer along until I mend. It is doable of course."

The siren sighed rubbing his chest where his heart would be and murmuring under his breath about the time it would take to recover. "Quite doable, I suppose."

"Immensely?" he asked, alarmed and eyes slowly widening. All it told him was that there was cause for concern, but he felt helpless in understanding what it was he could do for his new friend now. "What is broken?" he insisted quietly. "How may I help? What can I do?"

Holding a hand outstretched to the other man, Keir quickly flipped it over to rest upon his shoulder as he leaned in closer to his companion. "I promise I won't make fun of you, if that's the worry," he stressed, worried now that he might not share his burdens.

The siren sighed and leaned into the touch, barely resisting the urge to nuzzle his cheek against the hand resting on his shoulder. "Well you see it's not really something I believe you would make fun of me for. I know you're not like that Mister Snuggles, you're too nice for something cruel like that. No, no, I'll suffer this pain and burden you no more," he replied, hand held up in protest and voice wavering with false bravado as the other continued rub his chest.

"Forgive me for disturbing you good friend. Drink up heartily. I'll just suffer here quietly, don't mind me."

He was taken aback by his seeming unwillingness to share with him even though he did not fear being laughed at. It was the strangest thing, he'd never had anyone refuse to speak to him like this. "I don't want you to suffer," he insisted hurriedly, face falling into helplessness. "You've been kind to me and I want to return the favor. I'll listen. I want to know what's got such a handsome fellow down. What's broken? Are you hurt?"

"I suffer either way. 'Tis better this way. I wouldn't wa-did you say handsome?" Ainsley's head popped up fast enough to make his neck crack as he whipped it around to face the man beside him. His eyes were wide in earnest surprise and admiration, having already forgotten that was the name he gave Keir to call him.

"You...really care that much?" he whispered, reaching out a hand to move a strand of hair out of the other man's eyes. "You think that about me?"

A knowing snicker escaped his lips as he watched his companion's reaction and sudden change of pace. With a proud tilt to his chin he pulled the second mug closer and took a long drink from it. "Well, I said it, didn't I? Not the first time, either."

Keir shrugged. "If you like hearing compliments so much, though, perhaps you should be at a brothel instead of a bar, eh?" he chuckled.

Ainsley completely ignored the mug being moved until his eyes became transfixed upon the other man's throat in its act of swallowing the amber liquid. "But..." he could not even continue his thought as the kissable lips returned into view, leaving the Siren with his mouth hanging open in awe.

He was shocked out of his stupor though at the mention of a brothel. Sputtering and wide-eyed he floundered about on the stool before finally finding his voice again. "A broth-EL?" he squeaked, clearing his throat, then starting again. "A brothel? How could you even think such an atrocious thing? Those places don't have any kind of liquor! I need the life-giving liquid and you would have me go to a BROTHEL FOR THAT!"

The Siren sighed and let his head fall into his hand, the other resting over his heart once more. "You make my chest hurt," he moaned, his words sounding almost like a sob. "Call me handsome and then banish me to a brothel, you are most cruel."

Taken aback by his dramatic rejection of the idea, Keir watched him with a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes. Letting the man finish, he continued nursing his drink, only moving to rest the mug once again to chuckle at the thought of being called cruel. "Not banishment, it was merely a suggestion, good man," he tried to explain offhandedly.

"How was I to know you would be so dependent upon liquor?" he teased, chuckling as he tapped his drink. "You give it up so easily to mope. Now would you please tell me how I can be of help?"

"How could I drink when I have been wounded so grievously?" Ainsley lamented, his lips puckered in a mournful puppy-faced pout. "How can there be any fun or enjoyment when blood's just gushing out of the giant whole in my chest? I'm not a masochist! This-this-THIS ARG!"

The siren let his head fall on the counter with a heavy thud, as he allowed big fat tears to roll down his cheeks. "THE PAIN, oh the paaaaaaaaaaain!" He coughed and moaned as if in his death throes, pausing only long enough to peek an eye open and check to see if it was working. Maybe the other man would give him a kiss to make him feel better.

For a moment, uncertainty flickered in Keir's eyes. He set down his mug and gazed upon his companion with concern, looking him over as he cried; it was something he simply hadn't expected to encounter and, as such, he took far more seriously. "You're...bleeding? Where?" he asked, scooting his chair closer to him and placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "And you're crying...where does it hurt? Let me see," he offered, gently trying to lift him by his shoulders to get a look at his chest. But there was nothing for him to see.

"Is something broken? ...inside?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern as he had no idea that it was all an act.

Sniffling sounds could be heard coming from the lump that was Ainsley, as if he was fighting to hide that he was crying. "No don't look!" he cried trying to pull away. "It's too gruesome. I-I just can't. It's too much. Oh, the pain," he continued to groan.

"I'm sorry Mister Snuggles. I just-," the siren broke into sobs, his body shaking with the effort to contain them, "everything's broken. I can't be helped. It's too late. Oh, it's too late."

Not able to really make sense of the other man's words and if he was speaking in metaphors or not, Keir chose to err on the side of caution and let go of the sobbing mess beside him. The faint whispers across the room catching his ears clearly, he looked over his shoulder to meet several pairs of eyes on them, and most of them didn't seem particularly friendly or willing to help. It was like the pack of drunks assumed he'd done something to upset his companion so.

"Hey, Handsome," he tried to coax as he focused his attention back on him. "You aren't dying, I promise." The words were for him just as much as they were for convincing himself nothing was seriously wrong. "Please...tell me where you're bleeding," he pleaded. "I can get you to a healer, even, if you're so sure I can't help you." Keir had taken on a dewy-eyed look as he sat there on the verge of begging the information of him. He wasn't sure how much more he could take before he up and dragged him out to get him the help he seemed to need but adamantly deny. Reaching an arm around his shoulders, Keir attempted a warmer half-hug this time.

"Please?"

"No!" Ainsley cried, wide-eyed with fear at the idea of being examined by a healer or worse dragged out to see one. He sent a fleeting, fearful glance towards one of the filthy windows and flinched slightly to see the torrential rain still pouring outdoors.

He shook his head, unintentionally but not unhappily, nuzzling his face against Keir. "No, Mr. Snuggles, it's no use. I wouldn't have you wasting money on the likes of me. Enjoy your drink. I think I'm just going to," he trailed off, shaking his head once more. "I can't," he whispered, as he tried to squirm out of much-desired hug he was receiving.

Keir flinched at his unexpected cry and instinctively moved to try and comfort him further. He didn't mind the contact of the nuzzling, but he was very concerned for his new friend. "It wouldn't be a waste," he tried to insist, watching him with sad eyes as he protested his help.

"Can't?" he repeated, a bit hurt but understanding of him as he tried to escape him. Quickly, the kelpie removed his arm from him as he didn't want to spook him with what he thought was unwanted attention. "Can't what?" he pleaded. "I promise I want to help you."

The Siren hurried on his way, clutching his chest as he went. He paused long enough to turn and stare sadly towards his new friend. "It's not you. It's me. I just, I can't," he sighed forlornly, shaking his head in grief as he attempted to drag himself up the stairs.

Startled by the man's strange words when he'd thought things were going so well, Keir turned on his seat to watch him as he started moving away. "What's wrong?" he pleaded, a deep sadness in his voice as he'd thought he'd made quite a connection with him. Now he was so concerned, worried that he had truly wronged him so greatly yet he didn't know how.

"Wait!" he called, hopping down from his seat and leaving their mugs at the bar as he pursued him up the stairs. "We can talk in private if you'd like," he insisted, having no idea what else he could suggest to him. "But please tell me?"

Ainsley draped an arm over Keir's shoulders and clung to his front weakly. "Upstairs. I can't do this here. It's just too much. Oh!" he groaned, clutching his chest and doubling over as if in extreme pain. "Too much," he muttered under his breath shaking his head weakly.

He was so wrapped up in the act though and enjoying his misery so much that Ainsley actually forgotten how the whole situation had started to begin with or why he was focusing on his chest. It did not even occur to him that once he reached their room, he would have to explain himself and especially the problem that he had he had concocted and had not really put much thought into at all.

"Alright, alright," Keir agreed quickly, concerned and eager to just give him what he wanted so he might be able to find out what was going on. Not even fazed by the contact with him, the kelpie hurried to help him up the stairs. By now he was sure he was sick or had been struck by some horrible internal problem. Perhaps a weak heart, he thought sympathetically, worried he might have strained him with their fall or even with their conversation thus far.

"I'm so sorry, Handsome," he apologized sincerely. Scooping him up once they were nearing the top of the stairs, Keir carried him to the room they'd come from not long ago and quickly entered to get him to the bed as soon as possible. Setting him down gingerly upon it, Keir stared at him sadly with a very concerned look about him. "I really wouldn't mind spending the money on a healer," he insisted, nervous for his new friend. "I would not see you as any lesser for it, I swear."

He was completely surprised to be scooped up and carried off, yet the siren did not regret it for a minute. Ainsley rested his head upon Keir's shoulder, nuzzling into the crook of the other man's neck and happily breathing in his unique scent.

'Now this is how life should be.'

His forlorn expression returned though the moment he was placed upon the bed where he curled in around himself. "I just, I just need rest," he rasped wearily, letting his eyes close as if they were too heavy to maintain open. "Don't worry about the healer. It won't be necessary. I just need some rest and," Ainsley sighed, shaking his head as he buried his face more into his pillow.

Crouching beside the bed, Keir watched him worriedly. "Just rest? Just rest and what?" he prompted, wanting to help in any way that he could. He hadn't caught on yet that this was just an act for attention.

"If you want some space," he guessed. "Then I can keep away... But I would rather know that you're going to be alright. I don't want you wandering off in this storm if you're not well."

"No," he moaned pitifully, reaching out towards Keir. "Please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone," Ainsley cried, burying his face more into the pillows. Tears caused skin problems after all. "I won't wander if you're here to make sure I stay. Stay with me Mister Snuggles? Share some of your fabulous snuggles with a hurt man?"

Keir stared at his pitiful hand reaching out to him. Cautiously, he took it and gave it a gentle squeeze of encouragement as he listened to him speak. "Okay, I won't leave you alone, then," he assured him, smiling worriedly even as the man hid his face.

"Snuggles?" he asked, curious as to why he suddenly seemed to want contact with him when he evaded it at the bar downstairs. With wheels slowly turning in his head, the kelpie wanted to guess that, after the previous night, the man might have been embarrassed to be seen with him in public. Perhaps he wanted their more...intimate interactions to be kept behind closed doors. "Sure, as long as you don't push me away again," he teased.

Slipping his hand away from him, Keir climbed over him to lay beside him on the bed. Turning and adjusting, he cautiously scooted closer to spoon against the slightly shorter man's back. He wrapped one arm across his waist and let his head rest on the edge of the man's pillow as he watched him with that puppy-like worry still in his eyes. "I just hope you get well again soon," he murmured. "I feel at fault for this, truthfully. You seemed perfectly healthy yesterday."

Ainsley latched onto the hand instantly and held it close to his cheek for fear of it departing again. He even whimpered weakly when it was pulled away from him and nearly jumped up to snatch it back when he was rewarded with the other man's closer presence.

He instantly shook his head in response while scooting as far back as he could into the taller man's body as if to make them one in body. The Siren tangled his fingers with those of the hand about his waist and raised it higher to rest over his heart.

A faint smile curled his lips as he allowed his eyes to close and a contented sigh to escape his lips. "Mister Snuggles magic works wonders. Thank you," he cooed back.

Thinking the other man loopy with illness, Keir felt a pang of pity over his praises. "No, I have no magic like that," he chuckled goodnaturedly. "I'm no healer." He was content, though, if it made his acquaintance more comfortable. At worst, he was fulfilling a dying man's wishes. At best, perhaps they would laugh about his cuddliness at a later time. He didn't realize yet that this was just how this beautiful man was.

"Please let me know if I can do anything else for you. Get you anything... This is my fault, and I am definitely at your service to repay you for my mistake," he reminded him with a pang of guilt.

"Of course you do!" Ainsley protested. "You're Mister Snuggles. It's part of your very title," he chuckled weakly, amused by his own cleverness. The siren pressed in close for all he was worth, nuzzling his head into place and breathing in the scent of sea air on the other man's clothes.

A contented sigh fell heavily from his lips as he let his eyes fall closed of their own accord. "You're good just like this. Don't move for anything. I'm in a healing snuggle. It would be best not to try and disturb it with lots of movement if you know what I mean, which of course you do because your the Magical Mister Snuggles!"

Keir was confused about how his title hinted at any magic, but he wasn't going to deny Ainsley what he wanted right now. "Alright, no moving... I'll let you...heal. Get some rest, I'm really sorry about today," he apologized again, content to lay beside him as things finally settled down again even as the storm raged on outside, the wind whipping rain against the window and causing the building to creak and groan.

He was certain he would be on his way once the storm quieted or whenever his acquaintance woke if he didn't stop clinging to him. In the meantime, he hummed a gentle song to pass the time and hopefully ease the path to sleep for the other man.

Ainsley soon dozed off to sleep, making contented coos every so often. In his dreams the "injury" was quickly forgotten as he imagined more cuddles such as the ones he was receiving from his dear Mister Snuggles.

His grip around the other man remained firm yet not bruising as he moved his head to rest comfortably against Keir's chest. The Siren could not be anymore happy than if he had a basket of kittens to play with. For the first time in a while, he slept peacefully and without complaint.

Keir was restless in his sleep and kept waking for the sounds of the storm raging on outside, rapping against the window as howling wind shook the building. The familiar sounds were normally relaxing, but he was anxious and wanting to be out in the storm instead of cooped up inside, though the snuggles were a nice bonus.

With the man beside him clinging to him and sleeping so soundly, he knew he wouldn't be able to break his promise to him to stay if he tried. By the time morning came around, though, judging by what little light came through the window, Keir was eager to at least be out of bed. Gently shaking his shoulder and poking at his cheek to try and rouse him, the Kelpie stared at his face with wide and curious blue eyes. "Excuse me? Err...Handsome? Time to get up," he whispered.

The Siren groaned in protest and tried to bury his face in Keir's chest away from the probing. He clung tighter and shook his head. "Don' wanna," he slurred, nuzzling into the warmth. "Do I 'ave to?" Ainsley wanted nothing to do with getting up despite his bed partner's restlessness. He much preferred to stay where he was and while the day away warm and cozy.

Keir felt so guilty for disturbing him with the way he tried to remain close to him. "Well, for me at least. You're welcome to stay, but I should really get going... Are you feeling any better now that you've had some rest?" he wondered hopefully.

"Better?" he mumbled in obvious confusion, having already forgotten his theatrics from the previous night that had gotten his companion into bed with him. A heartbeat too late though he tried to save himself by coughing harshly and clutching at his chest as if pained. "No, I suppose not.

"Please," he begged faintly, weakly clutching at Keir's arm. "Don't go. Just...stay," he whispered. "I don't want to be alone in the end."

"The end?" Keir croaked, eyes widening with concern. "Is it really that serious?" he wondered, looking down at where he was holding his arm with concern. He pat him cautiously, hoping he could reassure him quickly enough as he really was missing the water. "Perhaps we should seek a healer if you're really that injured," he suggested.

Ainsley sighed sulkily, shaking his head in dismay. "Who knows? Who's to say? Healer will probably just treat me as an experiment anyway. You wouldn't want that would you? You wouldn't leave me to suffer as some thing in a jar for another human's amusement, would you?" The Siren looked up at the other man curiously, coughing for extra effect. "At least stay until the rain goes? Can you at least honor a dead man's wish that far?"

"Well, no! But who would put you in a jar?!" Keir asked incredulously, sighing and wincing for the cough that certainly had him feeling guilty. Whether it was true or not he wasn't sure he wanted to risk guessing if no harm could come of remaining a bit longer for him. Water could wait. He could wait.

"Until the rain goes," he agreed. "And if you're still not feeling well by then I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to find you a...companion until then."

"People can be so cruel," Ainsley sobbed, clinging tighter to Keir. "Thank you Mister Snuggles, thank you," the Siren praised with a relieved sigh. He did sniffle at the idea though that his magical Mister Snuggles could be replaced and told the other man as such. "No other companion would do in place of youuuuuuuuu. How could you think such a horrible thing Mister Snuggles? How?"

"Well how can that be?" Keir sighed, not seeing why he should be so important to his new friend, flattered as he was. "You get along with me just fine, I think you'd get along quite easily with someone more...suited to your care?" he tried, wincing as he struggled to find a solid excuse to leave and go enjoy the water again.

Ainsley gasped, false tears already beginning to form in his green eyes. "Mister Snuggles doesn't like me. He hates me and that's why he's trying to leave. Nobody likes me," he pouted sulkily. "They all try to leave and so quickly. Life of the party always goes home alone. Just go," he sighed, rolling away pathetically with another cough. "Leave me to my misery. It's better this way."

"Er...what?" Keir stared at him, confused and frankly a little hurt that he would say such a thing after he'd helped him so much. At least he'd thought he'd been helping him.

"I'm trying," he pointed out, deflating a bit as the unknown siren turned away. "I thought you might prefer someone more...skilled? In nursing the ill. I'm clueless, honestly," he admitted, hoping he might appreciate his openness about it.

"Say it isn't so!" the overly dramatic man cried in mock-horror. "As if the magic of the great Mister Snuggles could be bettered." Ainsley clucked his tongue and shook his head in disappointment. "Go if you must. I understand if I am truly so far beyond hope. Go," he whispered sadly, sniffling and flopping to bury his face in the pillows.

"B-But... Healing isn't magic," he insisted, wide-eyed and feeling a bit bad as he watched the theatrics unfolding before him.

"I promise I could find you better care than I could provide," he insisted, setting a hand to the man's shoulder in what he hoped might be a comforting gesture. "It's the least I can do because... Well, I can't stay here long."

It was the truth at least, though he had a bit more time before returning to water was vital. He missed the sea, though, and the pull of it was so strong being just a short distance away. The Kelpie was almost helpless against it.

"Sometimes it is," the siren sniffled sorrowfully. Ainsley wanted nothing to do with doctors and healers. He was simply bored and lonely and had finally found a friend his new companion. All he wanted was a few more moments with someone that could stave off that loneliness.

"Has it...stopped raining?"

Keir smiled sympathetically, moving his hand to rub gently along the man's arm in what he hoped was a comforting gesture. He didn't quite understand why he didn't want medical attention but he could respect the man's wishes if he felt his presence would be better for him.

"Don't think so," he sighed softly, lifting his head to look at the window. The angry storm from the previous night was gone but there was still a gentle patter upon the glass and he could hear it falling in the street beyond as well. "Maybe another few hours before it stops. What shall we do until then? Want to go downstairs at all? Or...not feeling up to that just yet?"

Ainsley slumped and looked towards the window despondently. He despeartely wanted to head out to the water but the rain would make it next to impossible. The moment he got wet, his body would start to revert to his true form. He could not afford to get stuck on dry land with a tail and gills. It would especially be made worse being in public where humans could squawk and gawk at him. Such a travesty had only ever happened once to him and it had been horrible enough that he would do anything to avoid it happening again.

"Maybe we should have another drink," the Siren sighed dryly. "One last drink and hurrah."

"There we go! Don't be so down, it'll be fun," he insisted, clapping the siren gently on the back as he hurried to climb from bed and disentangle himself before the other man might latch on again. "It's on me," he promised, stretching as he walked towards the door and held it open expectantly.

"Oh?" the siren perked his head up some at the idea of a free drink. "You're not pulling my leg now are you? Promising a dying man free drinks and all." Ainsley slid out of the bed, dragging himself over to stand tiredly beside the other man. "Let's partake then!" He moved quickly then, linking an arm with his new friend before all but dragging them both out the door. "No sense suffering needlessly now, right?"

"I would never joke about drinks!" The Kelpie rolled his eyes, though. Of course the other man had no way of knowing that.

He didn't really mind the linking of arms, but it was slowing his progress on the distancing front. Keir wanted to return to the sea, but every time it seemed close his new friend was latching onto him again. At least it wasn't unpleasant. Despite the dramatics he found his outlook to be quite refreshing in a world of mostly cynical, gloomy humans.

Once they'd made their way downstairs Keir purposefully took the closest seat to the door. He wanted a quick escape when it was finally afforded to him. The barkeep eyed them suspiciously, huffing his displeasure that they had come down for a drink so early when he was busy with other work. "What'll it be?" he grunted out.

Keir flashed a smile before looking to his companion, oblivious that they might have been causing any trouble with their presence. "Just mead. What would you like?"

"I'll have a tankard of mead and a plate of hash please," he said cheerily, flashing bright teeth up a the scowling man before him. The barkeep sneered openly before flouncing off with an angry huff. He was back a few minutes later, slamming the drinks on the table and causing the froth of Ainsley's to slop into the Siren's lap.

Ainsley shook his head, sighing sadly before looking to Keir with a pout. "What did I do wrong?" he sniffled with watery eyes.

Keir took his mug cautiously, nodding his thanks silently to the barkeep and trying to keep from rolling his eyes at Ainsley's theatrics. "Nothing, eat your breakfast," he chided playfully, lightly bumping his shoulder with his own before taking a slow sip of the warm liquid. "Haven't you ever been in a bad mood in the morning?"

Ainsley pursed his lips tightly at being chided and then questioned. "No, as a matter of fact, I haven't," he sulked, rubbing at his arm where Keir had shoved into him. "There's no sense in letting others ruin your mood. Even in the state I am currently I fight to be cheery and happy because what's the point of the misery? We all die someday!" The siren smiled at his statement before forking a mouthful of breakfast into his mouth.

"The point is that it's normal to have reactions," Keir pointed out, though there was no fight in his words as he watched him eat and occasionally snuck anxious looks towards the door.

"Nobody can truly be happy all the time. You just spent the whole night thinking you might die," he added, raising a brow questioningly. "And worrying about it. You didn't seem very happy. Or cheery."

The siren had the good graces to blush and shake his head in slight abashment. Looks like had stumbled right into that one. He did not dwell long on such thoughts though for he was as fleeting as the receding waves when it came to such emotions. Ainsley gasped though, his head snapping up and to attention to meet Keir's apparently wandering gaze.

"You don't think he's dying do you?!" His entire expression was one of complete aghast horror as he uttered it in a whisper that was perhaps far louder than was commonly polite, especially with the way the spartan patrons shifted to glare at the pair.

Keir winced as the air seemed to still, a deafening silence surrounding the pair and making the sound of rain on the nearest windows more audible. He needed to get out of that tavern. Maybe it would have been better if he dragged Ainsley along with him before he got himself or the both of them in trouble. It wasn't like it really was a concern anyway, he could always skip down the coast to the next town for a while until people forgot about the incident. For the moment, though, he needed to at least try to guide him back to grace.

He looked down at him with a weary gaze, flickering his eyes between the siren and their glowering barkeep to try to silently signal to his companion that he should watch his mouth. "No, I do not," Keir chided gently in a whisper much more appropriate in tone for their company. "But you're welcome to ask if you're so concerned." The last was only meant in jest but he regretted it the moment the words had left his lips. He wouldn't put it past him to try.

"Eat your breakfast," Keir added quickly instead, hoping he could coax the man to be reasonable about something for just once.